Return to work, accommodation and support
IWH has a long history of conducting research on practices, policies and processes that help workers sustainably return to work after an illness or an injury. This page pulls together IWH research and resources on employer supports, job accommodations and modifications, as well as other related issues such as disclosure of disability.
Featured
Research Highlights
Workers with COVID-19 had better return-to-work rates than others during the pandemic
During the pandemic, workers who contracted COVID-19 from work had better return-to-work rates 18 months later than those with other conditions. Most traditional return-to-work factors, however, did not explain the difference in rates.
Published: July 14, 2026
IWH Speaker Series
Using cannabis to manage symptoms of work-related injuries: Experiences of injured workers in Ontario
Published: February 24, 2026
At Work article
At Work article
How workplace policies affect return to work
Organizational policies and practices play a role in whether or not injured workers will return to work and if they will perform well once back at work. A new study from the Institute for Work & Health not only demonstrates this, but also helps explain why.
Published: August 2011
At Work article
At Work article
The power of positive thinking: More evidence on patient expectations and return to work
Recent research from the Institute for Work & Health reinforces evidence that patients who are optimistic about recovery following an injury will actually recover and return to work faster than patients who are less optimistic— a finding that should be recognized in case management decisions.
Published: August 2011
Systematic Review
Systematic Review
Systematic review of prognostic factors for workers' time away from work due to acute low-back pain: an update
This report explores the factors that affect how long it will take workers to return to work following an absence due to acute low-back pain, based upon the results of a systematic review update conducted by the Institute for Work & Health.
Published: August 2011
At Work article
At Work article
The crystal ball: Predicting return to work following low-back pain
What factors affect how long it will take workers to return to work following an episode of acute low-back pain? A just-completed systematic review from the Institute for Work & Health points to a number of them, including workers’ recovery expectations and their interactions with health-care practi
Published: January 2011
Impact case study
Ontario WSIB rolls out new service delivery model
Agency turns around rise of long-duration claims with a new model informed by IWH research.
Published: October 2010
Impact case study
WSIB turns to IWH for its expertise in logic models
Institute scientists work with WSIB to provide ongoing evaluation of three important programs.
Published: September 2010
Impact case study
WSIB launches anti-stigma initiative
Community research project involving injured workers identifies stigmatizing attitudes as a problem.
Published: September 2010
Project
Project
Prognostic factors for time away from work among workers with chronic low-back pain: a systematic review update
Status: Completed 2017
At Work article
At Work article
Benchmarks help firms compare disability management practices
Several major Canadian firms have joined a collaborative to create benchmarks of their disability management approaches, with the goal of improving practices and saving money. The collaborative, which builds on the success of a similar American initiative, is based at the Institute for Work & Health
Published: April 2007
Tools and guides
Seven “Principles” for Successful Return to Work
This popular guide outlines seven principles that the research shows are associated with workplace practices that can help ensure the successful return of a worker after injury or illness.
Published: January 2007